California DMV, AuthenticID Collaborate on Mobile Driver’s License

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has launched a mobile driver’s license (mDL) program incorporating biometric identity verification technology, designed to provide digital identity verification for state residents. This initiative follows successful mDL implementations in other states and aligns with the TSA’s recent approval of digital credentials for airport security checkpoints.

The program, which began as a pilot last year targeting 1.5 million participants, enables residents to download their driver’s licenses or state IDs through the California DMV mobile app. Users can add these digital credentials to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or the California DMV Wallet. The implementation follows the ISO/IEC 18013 standard for mobile driver’s licenses, ensuring interoperability and security.

AuthenticID’s identity verification and biometric authentication solutions power the program’s security features. The technology employs face matching and liveness detection to verify identities and reduce fraudulent enrollments. AuthenticID recently enhanced its platform with Velocity Checks, providing additional protection against high-frequency fraud attempts.

While specific launch dates remain unannounced, the program is expanding to allow Californians to store their IDs on Apple Wallet and Google Wallet in the coming weeks. The digital IDs will be compatible with iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android devices, similar to successful implementations in states like Iowa and Georgia.

Current acceptance of mobile IDs is limited to participating airports, including LAX’s TSA checkpoints, and select retailers for age-restricted purchases. Law enforcement and state government agencies do not yet accept these digital credentials. LAX has been at the forefront of biometric adoption, having recently expanded its biometric capabilities in Terminal 1.

“We’re proud to partner with the State of California’s DMV to ensure users can safely and securely verify their identities,” said AuthenticID CEO Reed Taussig. “Our ongoing innovation delivers our customers the highest levels of security, privacy, and customer experience.”

California DMV’s Chief Digital Transformation Officer Ajay Gupta noted, “The California DMV Wallet will continue to add public and private sector services to make Californian digital lives easier with an innovative, inclusive and privacy preserving digital credential.”

California joins 12 other states that have implemented mDL programs. Industry analysts project that 50 percent of the US adult population will have access to digital credentials and mobile IDs within the next 12-18 months, marking a significant shift toward digital identity verification nationwide.

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November 13, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy